Oleksandr Usyk says he feels no pressure vs Rico Verhoeven

Oleksandr Usyk showed little concern about Rico Verhoeven’s size or knockout talk, keeping his focus on preparation and dismissing the idea that the matchup brings added pressure.

Verhoeven spent much of the press conference pointing to physical advantages, highlighting a reported 20-kilogram weight difference and predicting a knockdown if he lands clean. The longtime kickboxing champion described himself as “a big unit” and suggested Usyk would feel the difference once they share the ring on May 23.

“When I land my best shot on him, he will go down because it’s a 20-kilo weight difference,” Verhoeven said. “He’s like a built-up cruiserweight, and I’m a naturally born heavyweight.”

He also framed the fight as another moment where a dominant champion becomes the target, comparing Usyk’s position to his own time at the top of kickboxing.

“I’ve been dominating in kickboxing for over a decade, facing the best and beating the very best, having a target on my back for many years like Oleksandr has a target on his back,” Verhoeven said.

Usyk did not engage with the size narrative. He kept his response brief and direct, showing no sign that the physical difference or Verhoeven’s confidence had shifted his mindset.

“May 23 may be a good fight,” Usyk said. “It’s not pressure. I prepare for this fight.”

The contrast between the two approaches was clear. Verhoeven leaned into power and size as the deciding factor, while Usyk treated the fight as another assignment, unchanged by the opponent’s build or reputation.

The fact that Usyk remains so relaxed suggests he is betting on his superior mobility and ring IQ to neutralize that 20kg difference before Rico can even set his feet to land.

If Rico can turn this into a wrestling match and force Usyk to carry his weight, he could sow down in the later rounds. Barring a lucky punch, that’s his best hope.

Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) will be defending his WBC heavyweight title against Verhoeven (1-0) on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza, Giza, Egypt. The event will be broadcast on DAZN PPV.